Similar protocols have been implemented in Fall River, according to Jason Burns, president of IAFF Local 1314.

“We are going to jump into more proactive and preventative measures much earlier in the process, if not right in the apparatus before we arrive on scene,” Burns said.

He said the city’s firefighters and first responders are tactics similar to the ones they utilized during the Ebola outbreak, including the use of full-body protective equipment and additional bagging and cleaning measures.

“Obviously, if someone is in need of help, that is what we do,” Burns said.

He stressed the importance of protecting his crews, adding that if one first responder were to contract COVID-19, it would most likely have a ripple effect within the department.

“If you are not prepared to make some very difficult decisions, to quarantine people, this could get out of hand very quickly,” Burns explained.